The Board of Commissioners of the Bossier Levee District met in regular session on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Levee Board Office, 3404 Industrial Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana. The President, Tim Larkin, called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commissioners - ALLEY, BANTLE, LARKIN, MOORE, and STELLY. Staff: Mark Long, Deanna Rabb, Robert Tomasek & German Velazquez from the Department of Transportation and Development, and Tom Arceneaux, District Counsel.
ABSENT: MONTGOMERY
The first order of business was the opening prayer by Commissioner Alley and the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Larkin.
On motion by Moore, seconded by Bantle, and unanimously passed, the Board dispensed with the reading of the minutes and approved the minutes of the regular Board Meeting previously held on February 6, 2022.
AMENDMENT TO AGENDA:
On suggestion of the Chair to add an item to the agenda, Bantle moved and Moore seconded a motion to add the discussion of the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of Bossier City for Crowing Lane. The President asked if any member of the public wished to speak on whether to add the item to the agenda and there were no requests to speak. The following Commissioners voted:
Larkin - Yes
Alley - Yes
Bantle - Yes
Moore - Yes
Stelly - Yes
The Commissioners having voted unanimously to add the item to the agenda, it was added.
REQUESTS BY VISITORS:
Mr. John Good, Jr. with PCS Holdings, LLC represented by Engineer, Desi Sprawls appeared seeking an encroachment permit onto the Bossier Levee District’s Control Area 50 feet to develop a proposed single family residential subdivision on the undeveloped land in the Villagio located on the west south and east sides of Lake Villagio and to enable to point discharge stormwater from Lake Villagio into Glorioso Ditch.
On motion by Moore, seconded by Stelly, and on recommendation from the Applications Committee the Board approved the permit request for PCS Holdings, LLC to discharge stormwater from Villaggio Lake into Glorioso Ditch, subject to a letter of no adverse impact on discharge. No comments from the public. (Permit #2022 – 11)
Atakapa Services, LLC on behalf of their client The City of Bossier City requesting a Levee Crossing and Road Extension Permit Application for a stormwater drainage pump station, outfall line, and road extension for the proposed Citizen’s Bank Drive Project.
It was stated that Atakapa Services is going to separate the above request into two separate permit requests: one for the pump station request and the second for all other matters to be considered for permitting.
On motion by Moore, seconded by Alley, and on recommendation from the Applications Committee the Board approved the permit request for the Levee / Pipe Crossing, subject to the approval of the CORP and DOTD.
On motion by Stelly, seconded by Moore, and on recommendation from the Applications Committee the Board stated that they would approve to construct a retaining wall near Citizens Bank under Walter O. Bigby and all other construction projects subject to obtaining approval from DOTD and the CORPS. No comments from the public. (Permit #2022-17, converted to Permit #2022-30 & Permit #2022-31)
Micha Duffey with Coyle Engineering on behalf of their client, Red River Motor Company resubmitted updated information for a previously requested encroachment permit to allow construction for a proposed car wash located at 1980 Airline Drive to be built within the Bossier Levee District’s Control Area of Lateral B-1. (PERMIT #2022 - 07)
On motion by Moore, seconded by Alley and with the recommendation from the Applications Committee the Board approved the permit request for the Red River Motor Company to build a retaining wall to encroach on the BLD’ s Control Area for the proposed car wash with the condition that Coyle Engineering develop an overall plan to address the drainage issues. Tim Larkin and the rest of the Board also discussed the possibility for Bossier City, the applicant, and the BLD to financially cost share an endeavor to improve the drainage system in the vicinity while making some changes noting that the two projects could coincide. No comments from the public. (Permit #2022 - 07)
The BPPJ requested approval for construction of the North – South Corridor roadway and bridge over Cypress Bayou within the BLD’s Control Area from Flat River to Crouch Road to enable the installation of drainage structures under the proposed roadway, road work over Stinson Slough, Waggoner Slough, Borrow Pit Extension, and for road work over Cypress Bayou Red Chute Guideline State Levee. (Permit #2022 -12)
On motion by Alley, seconded by Stelly and on recommendation from the Applications Committee the Board approved the permit request for the proposed roadway submitted by the BPPJ, subject to DOTD review and approval of plans. No comments from the public. (Permit #2022 -12)
The Board discussed the need for a Cooperative Agreement with the City of Bossier for crossing Crowing Lane / Tinsley Ditch.
On motion by Bantle, seconded by Moore and unanimously passed the Board authorized the City of Bossier to draft a Coopertive Endeavor Agreement between them and the BLD to work together on the Crowing Lane and Tinsley Ditch Project. No comments from the public.
OLD BUSINESS:
Kurt Nixon with Nixon Engineering was present to discuss the Crowing Lane / Tinsley Ditch Drainage Project and the low bid received in the amount of $232,757.50 from F. J. Burnell. Another bid was received in the amount of $239,265.50 from Specialty Trackhoe and Dozer.
On motion by Stelly, seconded by Bantle and unanimously passed the Board authorized a State Contract to be drafted by the BLD not to exceed the approved bid amount of $239,265.50 between both parties and to acquire all needed signatures. No comments from the public.
NEW BUSINESS:
There were no plats received from the MPC needing approval or a no objection letter.
Mr. Bill Bowden with Performance Proppants submitted a request in writing to be authorized to haul equipment on the Red River Levee.
The Applications Committee and the Board discussed security requirements for any permit in case of damage to the levee. They tabled this request until they can obtain further information and discuss the possibility of another crossing solution. No comments from the public.
The Secretary, Deanna Rabb reviewed changes that had been made to the Proposed Budget by the Finance and Insurance Committee at their previously scheduled meeting.
On motion by Moore, seconded by Stelly and unanimously passed the Board authorized the Budget to be adopted as is for the 2022 - 2023 Fiscal Year. No comments from the public.
LEVEE AND DRAINAGE REPORT:
Red Chute Levee Improvement Project
- January 9, 2019, at 9:30 am. – opened bids on Red Chute Bayou Levee Improvement Project; with low bid of $5,145,791.49 from Testament Construction Services, LLC.
- March 22, 2019 – contract signed with Testament Construction.
- July 23, 2019 – Started Time Charges.
- January 6, 2020 – Work approximately 50% complete.
- August 5, 2021 – received Certificate of Substantial Completion from project engineer with an effective date of August 2, 2021.
- November 9, 2021 – work on punch list items is near completion; remaining work includes small areas to be seeded, a small amount of cleanup, and a couple of minor fence repairs.
- December 13, 2021 – no observed activity by Testament Construction since November 2, 2021.
- December 15, 2021 – Randy Denmon, PE, issued a Certificate of Acceptance for the project; the certificate was filed on December 17, 2021.
Red Chute Levee Raise Project
- Mitigation analysis for levee raise is being conducted by Nixon Engineering and Dewberry Consultants.
- October 31, 2019 – Nixon Engineering delivered mitigation report.
- December 8, 2019 – Kurt Nixon and Jacob Lesue presented the board with mitigation study results.
- March 11, 2020 – Kurt Nixon submitted a revised mitigation study report with recommendations for a levee raise and mitigation.
Red Chute Bayou Channel Slope Repairs
- Recent high-water events have caused several slope failures on the bayou inside Barksdale AFB; work is needed to remove trees and stabilize slope failures near levee.
- July 24, 2019 – Vicksburg Corps conducted a damage assessment of high-water damages on Red Chute Bayou; no determination as of November 11, 2019.
- December 9, 2019 – Donald Walker, Chief of Vicksburg Corps Emergency Management called and advised that the Vicksburg Corps would be providing funding for approximately 10 bank caving sites along the levee.
- December 10, 2019 – Captain Papia with the Vicksburg District made a site visit to assess the bank repair areas.
- March 30, 2020 – received letter dated March 24, 2020, from the colonel of the Vicksburg District Army Corps denying our request for PL 84-99 funding for bank caving repairs.
- Waiting for further direction from Corps on repair requirements.
- July 8, 2021 – Lanny Barfield with the Vicksburg USACE District, advised that the District recently requested approval from the MVD for funding approval to repair of the sites.
Levee Inspection Compliance
- BLD has completed an inspection and report of deficiencies on the Red River Levee including items listed on the USACE 2019 Levee Inspection Report. Our plan of action is to start removing all unwanted vegetation and other encroachments in areas where permission can be obtained from property owners.
- Corps Routine annual inspection conducted on May 3, 2021, on the Red Chute Bayou Levee.
- Corps Periodic Levee Inspection conducted May 4-5, 2021, on the Red River Levee.
- Work underway south of LA 511 Bridge removing encroaching trees and brush.
- November 15, 2021 thru November 18, 2021 video inspection made on all levee drainage structures.
Red River Levee Certification
- May 8, 2018 – sent letter to Corps requesting their services in providing new levee certification.
- February 7, 2020 – we received word from Craig McRaney with the Vicksburg Corps that the levee can be raised above elevation of Lock and Dam 5 Road; Mr. McRaney also advised that the levee district should submit a request for a 408 permit to raise the levee in the areas with insufficient freeboard.
- February 10, 2020 – a conference call was held with several members of the Vicksburg Corps; the purpose of the call was to seek guidance on how to expedite the permit for the levee raise and to request that the Corps provide assistance in obtaining the permit. Very little new information was obtained from the call; the Corps did say that they would research the Congressional Authorization for the levee to determine if any restrictions such as an additionally congressional authorization would be needed to raise the levee.
- September 9, 2020 – hired Kurt Nixon to review options for levee certification.
- January 11, 2021 – held conference call with Vicksburg Corps and discussed 408 permit requirements for raising the areas with deficient free board on the Red River Levee north of Lock and Dam 5.
- March 3, 2021 – Kurt Nixon provided progress letter on status of the 408 permit.
- April 12, 2021 – conference call held with Katy Breaux and members of the Vicksburg Army Corps of Engineers to discuss a Risk Assessment to be used for levee certification.
- April 22, 2021 – conference call with Vicksburg Corps to discuss Risk Assessment; Katy Breaux advised that the Corps has obtained funding for the Hydraulic Analysis portion of a Risk Assessment
- June 8, 2021 – spoke with Katy Breaux, Project Manager with Vicksburg Corps and she advised that work on the Hydraulic Analysis portion of the Risk Assessment should be completed by the end of July 2021.
- On August 17, 2021 Raley and Associates completed work on cross sectioning and topo survey of a 6.0-mile segment of the levee from lock and Dam 5 road north.
- January 4, 2022 – received a status update on the CORPS H&H Analysis for the Red River Levee; the H&H Analysis is complete however they are waiting on new risk assessment classification guidance before issuing a report.
- March 28, 2022 – meeting scheduled with Vicksburg Corps to discuss results of the levee H&H Analysis and Risk Assessment.
Red River Corps Study
- August 28, 2019 – the Vicksburg Corps met with the Flood Technical Committee and briefed the Committee on the preliminary findings from the Study. The Study has produced a new 100-year flood profile which indicates that a portion of the levee north of Lock and Dam 5 has less than the minimum 3-foot free board; the new 100-year flood profile will also require new Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) be established. The Study is scheduled to be completed in March or April of 2020. Shona Gibson with FEMA Region 6 was also at the meeting, and she said the Corps and FEMA will be working together to produce the new BFE’s; she also said that our levee system will not be re-certified due to the deficient levee height north of Lock and Dam 5.
- December 6, 2019 – we received the new 1% WSE river profile grades for the Red River Levee from the Vicksburg Corp.
- December 13, 2019 – we received plan and profile drawings with new 1% WSE river profile.
- August 6, 2020 – Corps held a WebEx meeting and discussed the summary report; they also provided copies of the report.
Flat River Outfall Pipes - South of Sligo Road
- February 2, 2022 – Cooperative Endeavor Agreement made with the Bossier Parish Police Jury to cost share on the installation of two outfall pipes south of Sligo Road on Flat River.
Red Chute Bayou Levee Culvert Rehab
- November 18, 2021, video inspection of the outfall CMP culvert at station 238+30 revealed a separation in the corrugated metal pipe; repair needed as soon as possible.
- December 15, 2021 – the board approved advertising for bids for HDPE culvert liners to line two CMP culverts on Red Chute Levee located on BAFB.
- January 12, 2022 - HDPE Culvert Liner Bid from Isco Industries, Inc. in the amount of $62,816.20 was approved by board.
- February 2, 2022 – received delivery of HDPE Culvert Liners.
Tinsley Ditch Culverts
- December 15, 2022 – the board authorized Kurt Nixon with Nixon Engineer to proceed with survey and design for the replacement of existing culverts under Crowing Lane and installation of a new culvert between Crowing Lane and Lateral B-4 ditch.
- February 1, 2022 – revised construction plans received from Nixon Engineering.
- March 3, 2022 – Bids were opened for the Crowing Lane Drainage Improvements with a low bid of $232,757.50 from FJ Burnell.
Red River Levee Ponding Area
- January 5, 2022 – requested surveyor to survey area near Red River Levee Station 147+00 to determine how best to drain an area of ponding water adjacent to the levee.
Levee and Drainage Crews
- Removing fallen trees from Red Chute Bayou in various locations.
- Inspecting levees, channels, and drainage structures; cleaning outfall pipes and flap gates.
- Trimming trees brush on levees and drainage channels.
- Servicing and repairing equipment.
Surplus Equipment
- The following equipment is to be sold as surplus.
1) 2003 Case MX 110 with 5313 hours; Equipment # 205.
2) 2016 John Deere 6135E with 520 hours; Equipment # 380.
3) 2016 John Deere 6135E with 326 hours; Equipment # 381.
4) 2009 John Deere 7230 with 4975 hours; Equipment # 207.
5) 2009 John Deere 7230 with 4705 hours: Equipment # 208.
6) 2007 Ford F-450 with 103,566 miles; Equipment # 108.
7) 2000 John Deere Track Excavator with 4790 hours; Equipment # 203.
On motion by Bantle, seconded by Alley, and unanimously approved, the Board authorized the Secretary for the District to make payments for the month of March in the amount of $460,194.44 as set forth in the materials provided for the Board. The March 16, 2022 Bossier Levee District Board Meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:45 a.m.
__________________________ _____________________________
Tim Larkin, President Deanna S. Rabb, Secretary